The PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Singapore) 2017, presented by Kohler and supported by the country’s No. 1 property site PropertyGuru.com.sg, recognised the country’s best developers and real estate projects and design last week during an exclusive gala dinner held at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre at Marina Bay Sands.

GuocoLand, developer of the acclaimed integrated development Tanjong Pagar Centre, claimed some of the evening’s biggest awards, including Best Developer (Singapore), and was hailed as an exemplary urban innovator.

“One of the Singapore’s leading developers, GuocoLand believes that every project should possess ‘poetic ambience’ and offer a lifestyle that’s comfortable and usable. GuocoLand achieves its goal by incorporating well-designed public spaces, sustainable and green amenities, and choosing the most premium locations for the benefit of consumers.

“The company is a leader in urbanisation with high-profile projects such as Tanjong Pagar Centre, rejuvenating a neighbourhood in the process,” said the independent judging panel. The said project, which was hailed as the Best Green Development, also features Wallich Residence, winner of the Best Luxury Condo Development gong.

“We’re grateful for this prestigious award for GuocoLand. We always think about the end-user and how we can build he best project for them, so this honour means a lot,” the company said upon accepting the trophy.

Best Boutique Developer went to Lian Beng Group Ltd, which also received special awards in sustainable development and corporate social responsibility, along with honours for some of its joint venture projects. A young company, Lian Beng has already earned Green Mark certifications for its strict adherence to positive construction practices.

Other big winners of the year included mixed-use development Stars of Kovan by Property Enterprises Development (S) Pte Ltd, hailed as “glamourous” by the judges; and Best Condo Development (Singapore) awardee High Park Residences by Fernvale Development Pte Ltd, a new project that focuses on affordability and practically catering to young families.

Now in its seventh year, the PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Singapore) competition paints a positive image of Singaporean real estate as it continues to lead the ASEAN region in green building, sustainable design, and technological and architectural innovation.

More than 20 current developments from nearly 20 companies and joint ventures were rewarded during the ceremony that was attended by over 300 guests.

“The PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards definitely raises the bar for real estate excellence and it’s recognised for being ethical, fair, and independently judged by a panel of experts in the industry, which solidifies its credibility,” said Hari V. Krishnan, CEO of PropertyGuru Group, who delivered the evening’s opening remarks.

“Consumers, or as we like to call them homebuyers, look to the Awards to find the best developers, and ultimately this helps them in making informed property decisions.”

The independent judging panel was again led by renowned architect Minkqee Tan, chief designer at MINKEE Architects Pte Ltd, said it was no surprise that Singapore remains a real estate leader in the region.

“Singapore is the only triple-A economy in the region and one of such rare ones in the world. It has an Independent and stable local currency, low interest rates, and an excellent banking system that supports property investment. That, combined with the high standards in public housing, ensuring that both the public and private realms, are conceptualised and realised in fashions that are well connected, and undeniably relevant to the Singapore economy and population,” Tan said.

He added that “these high standards has no doubt created a flow-on effect on the private sector that is – more often than not – obliged to keep up with these same standards.”

As always, the judging process was strictly supervised by BDO, the world’s fifth largest network of accounting and auditing firm, including actual site inspections and intensive panel deliberations.

The only award not judged by the panel was the 2017 Singapore Real Estate Personality of the Year award, which was selected by the editors of PropertyGuru Property Report magazine. The coveted award went to multiple-winner Oxley Holdings Limited’s executive chairman and CEO, Ching Chiat Kwong, who has been known to take risks as a real estate leader.

“This award shows the appreciation for the Oxley Holdings team. With perseverance and hard work, anything is possible, even in real estate,” said Ching.